Lions caged in Moscow

England's chances of qualification for Euro 2008 took a severe dent in Moscow after two second half goals gave Russia a 2-1 win.

The Three Lions battled bravely in hostile conditions, but despite taking charge of the game through Wayne Rooney's 29th minute strike, Russia kept going, with the sell-out crowd behind them, to take the three points.

The two teams came out of the tunnel and were greeted by an intimidating roar by the noisy Russian fans, most of which was aimed at the England players. Their supporters then unfurled an enormous Russian flag, emblazoned with a ferocious bear, that covered an entire side of the ground, and the fans beneath.

The home side did everything they could to keep the fans in this mood, with Alexander Kerzhakov and Yury Zhirkov providing the inspiration. They both had early chances too, but neither could find a way through.

Alexander Anyukov also raided forward down the right before unleashing a low drive that was pushed away for a corner.

England defended with everything, blocking, tackling and throwing anything in the way of the ball as the crowd urged on the home side.

Something was needed from the Three Lions to silence them. Rooney had already had a couple of sightings of goal and when Michael Owen's flick on dropped in front of the Manchester United man, he let rip with a vicious volley - almost a carbon copy of Owen's against Russia last month - which gave Vladimir Gabulov no chance.

The tide began to turn, but not for long. Russia knew that they needed to score and threw everything at England.

However, an unmarked Steven Gerrard had a glorious chance to put England further ahead but he dragged Gareth Barry's free-kick wide from close range.

Micah Richards' last-ditch tackle just after the break thwarted Diniyar Bilyaletdinov inside the box, but it was one of many by an England player.

But Russia finally got the reward for their efforts when Rooney was adjudged to have pulled Konstantin Zyrianov's shirt inside the box, the referee pointed to the spot.

Substitute Roman Pavluchenko, who only just been brought on, sent the stadium wild when he tucked away his penalty.

Worse was to come for England though as Russia just kept coming. Ton conclude a frantic few minutes, Aleksei Berezutski tried his luck from 25 yards which Robinson saved to his left, but the rebound fell kindly to Pavluchenko, in between Sol Campbell and Joleon Lescott, and he slotted into the empty net.

McClaren threw caution to the wind, making a triple substitution with Frank Lampard, Peter Crouch and Stuart Downing coming on.

However, they just couldn't find the result they desired, as chances ended in corners rather than goals. It leaves England needing to beat Croatia next month and hope Russia fail to pick up maximum points in their two remaining games.